By Dr. Anita Khokhar A few mornings ago, I overheard a group of women chatting after their fitness session. One of them, visibly pleased, said, “My body fat has gone down, muscle mass has gone up… but I’m still far from my goal.” The others nodded knowingly. That single sentence…
-
-
Children as Supportive Overseers: A Practical Model for Elderly Care
The global demographic shift toward an ageing society is undeniable. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and above will more than double worldwide, reaching 2.1 billion [1]. In India, projections indicate that nearly 20% of the population will be above 60 years by 2050, creating a significant…
-
Rabies Control in India: Why Rabies Vaccine Should Be Included in the National Immunisation Schedule
Introduction Rabies remains one of the most preventable yet neglected zoonotic diseases in India. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, rabies continues to claim an estimated 18,000–20,000 human lives annually in India, accounting for nearly 36% of the global burden [1]. The majority of cases are associated with dog bites,…
-
Health Problems of School Teachers: Global Evidence and Indian Context
Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it is also among the most demanding. Teachers nurture and shape future generations, yet their own health often remains overlooked. Research from across the globe consistently shows that teachers suffer from a unique set of occupational health problems. In India, these…
-
“Once I Was Asked…
When a 52-year-old Rumi narrates how embarrassing it was for her to undergo a mammogram as no one had counselled her in advance what the procedure was going to be like and advises other women not to ever go for the most embarrassing screening test, and women listen to her,…
-
“Petrichor to Puddles: Rainy Season Diseases, Prevention, and Care”
The rainy season is a journey from petrichor to puddles—from the fresh earthy fragrance of first showers to the muddy aftermath of heavy rains. While monsoon brings relief, greenery, and a sense of renewal, it also opens the door to several health issues. High humidity, stagnant water, and fluctuating temperatures…
-
Ganesh Chaturthi: A Time for New Beginnings and Wellness
“Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada.” With this ancient prayer, millions across India and the world welcome Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and fresh beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a festival; it is a time of renewal—an occasion to pause,…
-
“Facing the Floods: A Doctor’s Reflections on Nature’s Overflow”
🚶♀️A Personal Story from the Heart of Assam Recently, I visited a flood-affected area in Assam, where the mighty Brahmaputra had once again overflowed its banks. The sight was overwhelming—houses submerged, people carrying their children and belongings through waist-deep water, schools turned into relief camps, and long queues for drinking water and…